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Jocelyn Roche – Successful Career Change to Early Years with Support from ‘Fantastic’ Tutoring Team

BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care and Education

Jocelyn Roche – Successful Career Change to Early Years with Support from ‘Fantastic’ Tutoring Team


Jocelyn Roche – Successful Career Change to Early Years with Support from ‘Fantastic’ Tutoring Team

Jocelyn Roche is an AIM Support worker who is following her passion by studying for her BA (Ord) in Early Childhood Care & Education at Portobello Institute. 

Jocelyn worked for years in marketing and banking but she always wanted to work in the early years sector. After the birth of her first child, she decided to gain her Montessori qualification with Portobello institute.

She worked as a Montessori teacher until the birth of her second child and with the growing knowledge and implementation of Aistear and Siolta frameworks within the sector, she is now fulfilling her potential with her BA (Ord) Early Childhood Care & Education with Portobello Institute.

Portobello was my top choice as I was impressed with the tutoring and delivery of theoretical and practical course content for the Montessori Diploma. 

The course allowed me to follow my passion for preparing and enhancing the outdoor environment for children’s play and further understand the importance of outdoor play for young children’s learning and development. Through researching historic early childhood learning pioneer’s theory and current academic content regarding the topic, my knowledge grew with the guidance and support of expert tutors,” she said.

This is her first time studying online through blended learning, and Jocelyn says that it is working brilliantly for her and her lifestyle.

“I enjoyed being part of an online learning community and the interaction with tutors and other students in webinars and via email allowed me to ask plenty of questions, which is so important when studying online. Also course content is very accessible with a realm of information at your fingertips,” she said. 

While the ePortobello system makes studying easier for her, the best thing about studying at Portobello has been her experience with our passionate tutors.

“The online system is great and very easy to use. However, the best thing for me about studying at Portobello is the fantastic tutors.

Maeve Nolan gives her students 110 per cent, an excellent tutor ensuring course content is interesting, comprehensive and academic writing achievable. Maeve is always available and ready to help no matter what.

Jacinta Murphy really cares about her students and took time out to chat with me and explain in detail topics I found difficult to understand.

“Colette Saunders tirelessly corrects drafts showing students every detail needed to understand the flow of academic writing and the referencing process to improve grades

Denise Baker delivers her module content in a way that is so grounded and insightful, leaving the student wanting to learn more.

Samantha Cooney is helpful, patient and thorough allowing students plenty of time to ask question during webinars.

“Finally, Rachel Dunne explores the subject topic in detail, asking questions and encouraging students to think outside the box,” she said. 

If you would like to learn from inspiring, passionate and dedicated tutors like these at Portobello Institute, visit our Early Years & Montessori department here.

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